Contax RX / RTS ers around here?

This is my first post - not even sure it'll show in the forum.
I've used & still own 139s 167s and an RX.
I've got and use about 10 Zeiss C/Y lenses, all bought used. They all seem to have their own niche .
It's worth adding to the discussion that the RX will print info.(eg date ) vertically between frames. And I haven't had personal experience but know that one of the RTS models ( I think the II ) has a titanium shutter that has a propensity to get crinkled. Perhaps someone knows.
And for what it's worth - I've had fun shooting live music for the last 12 yrs. and the last 7 yrs pretty much exclusively with my Zeiss lenses adapted to a Canon digital rebel and you might wish to see the result. More than 50% of close-up images of musicians were with the Sonnar 180 2.8.
www.backbeatphotos.com.
This is my first post and I apologize if referring to a website is against the forum's rules.
Philip Barlow
 
Still have my old RTS III and 35-70mm zoom. Amazing lens and I should use this outfit more often. Also have the pancake lens and a Tamron 400/4 as well. I wish the Zeiss lenses would come down in price like some of the Japanese company film equipment has. This stuff has gone into collector-land and will always cost a premium.

Joel
 
just broke down on an RTSIII body with lens, always wanted to try one, I like it better, than all other SRL's I've ever had, and a had more than few.. this camera takes the top spot from the nikon F6., it's in one word: Amazing! (a little heavy though..) but the interface, viewfinder, shutter sound, feel of this camera are pure perfection.
 
Have a Yashica FR1 with damaged transportsprocket, an RTS which wont work & a S2b whick works very very well.
So, FR1 & RTS may look like beeing basically the same, but they aren't. RTS got a 2000th second, FR1 only a 1000th. RTS got an extra thumbwheel for exposurecompensating & RTS sounds much smoother.
 
My eternal shame. I owned a mint databack RX with a 50mm f1.7 planar. Fondled it lots of times but never got around to taking any pics. Heavy, solid and assured in the hand. I always chose my SLR's over it. Ended up selling it for £250 on that auction site. At that price, was gone in less than an hour. Lovely camera though. As I said. My eternal shame.

Paul
 
maitani said:
just broke down on an RTSIII body with lens, always wanted to try one, I like it better, than all other SRL's I've ever had, and a had more than few.. this camera takes the top spot from the nikon F6., it's in one word: Amazing! (a little heavy though..) but the interface, viewfinder, shutter sound, feel of this camera are pure perfection.
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Congrats! The RTS III was a tour de force in the early '90s. I do think the camera is overbuilt, but that might be expected from an expert in materials (Kyocera) designing their premier model. I find every feature to be thoughtfully selected and then ergonomically incorporated into the control layout. Even though I might use the Aria, or something digital, more often, the RTS III is my favorite camera (I own three).
 
I used to shoot with 167MT, now using Aria and S2. I love both. I also have AX, but this one is defective - quite often mirror does not return back. Repair was too expensive, so I just decided to keep it...for macro mode (works fine in this one).
 
Rico said:
Congrats! Even though I might use the Aria, or something digital, more often, the RTS III is my favorite camera (I own three).
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Wow, three... I do love the RTS III. I'm going to have to take it out soon. I hope that this thread doesn't cost me more money.

Rico: You might think of sending your RTS IIIs back for CLA if you have any issues before they discontinue service. I sent mine back for repair and the fees were more than reasonable.
 
I'm having my RTSII at Steve's for CLA and mirror adjustment; then I intend to sell it, though I see the prices have come down pretty radically over the last 18 months. I will sell because as beautiful and smooth as it is, I love my 167mt which I got from KEH for $39. The RTSIIs used to sell for $250 and more but now seem to be below $200.
 
Nice to see this thread again. I've got two RTS II cameras which I love, back when they worked properly, because I like that they use easy-to-see red. LEDs rather then the more modern LCD display. I understand Nippon Photoclinic in NYC works on Contax SLRs; if anyone has another recommended repair location, please post and let us know. My first Contax was a 167MT that I bought in Hong Kong (when HK was still under the British umbrella) and it has worked flawlessly all these years; I also have an Aria that's a pleasure to use too. I've got to get back to using these cameras more!
 
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Me too, red LEDs! my 159MM also has a red LED for the aperture readout.

Over the past few years I tried the RX, ST, Aria, RTS, 139, 159, and 137MD. May have had an RX2 in there somewhere too, I don't recall. :) Never have owned an S2 although I borrowed a friend's once but wasn't really taken, considering what they sell for.

Also gave the N1 a shot, and the NX. The NX had a weird UI and the N1 was just too large, along with large lenses. And not enough primes...

Current set: 139, 159, & 137MD (pictured above.) The 137MD was priced at $5.45 from KEH 'as is' and it was essentially unused, just missing the covering. The covers from that era inevitably disintegrate. Paid more for a new covering than I did for the body...
 
I have an ST, 139Q, FRI and an FR. The FRI and FR seem different to me. The FR feels more solid, like it was made differently. Although my FRI is beat to hell, so there is that.

The ST is one of my favorite all time cameras of all the cameras I've ever used. Everything is just right. One of these days I'll probably get an RX just because. I use the 139Q with a 45mm Tessar pancake lens usually. So nice and small. Perfect carry in your hand camera for walks.

I really need to finish the system. Stuff isn't getting any cheaper these days.
 
Contaxaholism is a problem I’ve had for over 25 years. I am yet to find a cure or effective therapy. There is a social stigma, but the cameras (apart from the disappointing S2 and S2b) are so appealing I don’t mind the stares. I still find myself looking online at camera models I have owned, or, even more sadly, already own. As I said, I have a problem.

Like you, I prefer the ST but the RX and RX II are also great cameras. The RX II has a brighter viewfinder if you don’t want or need the not very responsive focus confirmation of the RX.

Marty
 
PRJ said:
I really need to finish the system. Stuff isn't getting any cheaper these days.
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My thought as well. I have reassembled my Zeiss kit for this reason.

Anyone here use the 25/2.8? Debating whether to go 25 --> 35 -->50 as opposed to the current 28 --> 35 --> 50. The 28/2.8 is so good...
 
The RTS II is a fine old school camera, the Nikon F3 of Contaxes. The Aria is one of the best for everyday, regular person use. My advice is 100% go for a II over a I.
 
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